Zakresevskis returns to Latvia fold

Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs has named a familiar-looking squad for next month's UEFA EURO 2008™ games with Spain and Denmark, his first matches back in charge.

Zakreševskis recall
The 51-year-old, who led his country to UEFA EURO 2004™ and returned for a second spell at the helm in early April, has included only one surprise in his party to play Spain and Denmark in Riga on 2 and 6 June respectively, with 36-year-old defender Arturs Zakreševskis winning a recall after impressing for FK Riga. FK Ventspils striker Vits Rimkus also return while the only uncapped player is Skonto FC goalkeeper Pavels Doroševs, who replaces the injured Andris Vanins. Imants Bleidelis is in line to win his 100th cap against Spain as Latvia, fifth in qualifying Group F with three points from four matches, look for a lift.

Latvia squad
Goalkeepers: Andrejs Piedels (Skonto FC), Aleksandrs Kolinko (FC Rubin Kazan), Pavels Doroševs (Skonto FC).

Defenders: Igors Stepanovs (Esbjerg fB), Maris Smirnovs (FC Dinamo 1948 Bucuresti), Deniss Ivanovs (FHK Liepajas Metalurgs), Kaspars Gorkss (Blackpool FC), Oskars Klava (FHK Liepajas Metalurgs), Deniss Kacanovs (FK Ventspils), Dzintars Zirnis (FHK Liepajas Metalurgs), Arturs Zakreševskis (Skonto FC).

Midfielders: Vitalijs Astafjevs (Skonto FC), Jurijs Laizans (FC Kuban Krasnodar), Imants Bleidelis (FK Jurmala), Andrei Pereplyotkin (Skonto FC), Aleksandrs Cauna (Skonto FC), Aleksejs Višnakovs (Skonto FC), Genadijs Solonicins (FHK Liepajas Metalurgs), Andrejs Rubins (FC Spartak Moskva).

Forwards: Maris Verpakovskis (FC Dynamo Kyiv), Marians Pahars (Anorthosis Famagusta FC), Girts Karlsons (FHK Liepajas Metalurgs), Andrejs Prohorenkovs (RC Ferrol), Vits Rimkus (FK Ventspils).